Liverpool’s AFCON Struggles Set to Continue

As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming seasons, they are faced with the recurring challenge of key player absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 2025/26 season is no exception, with the tournament set to potentially disrupt Mohamed Salah’s campaign, assuming his stay at Liverpool extends beyond his current contract.

Impact of AFCON on Salah’s Performance

Mohamed Salah’s participation in AFCON has historically impacted his performance at Liverpool, especially evident in the tournaments of 2022 and 2024. Prior to AFCON 2022, Salah had an outstanding scoring streak, netting 23 goals in just 26 appearances. However, his return post-tournament saw a drastic decline, with only seven goals in the subsequent 21 games. This drop in form came at a crucial time when Liverpool was in contention for a historic quadruple, ultimately falling short in both the Premier League and Champions League.

In 2024, a hamstring injury during AFCON sidelined Salah for two months, significantly hampering his season. His return was underwhelming, contributing only one open-play goal in the final 11 matches of the season. This downturn in performance not only affected Liverpool’s season outcomes but also highlighted the physical toll that AFCON exerted on Salah.

AFCON 2025 Schedule and Challenges

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. This scheduling during the festive period means Salah will miss a crucial part of Liverpool’s campaign. The timing of the tournament could not be more problematic, as it coincides with a congested fixture list, where squad depth and player availability are tested to their limits.

The move to host the tournament in December was primarily to avoid a clash with the new FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for the summer months. Morocco, hosting the event for the second time since 1988, presents a familiar challenge for Egypt, which had a disappointing performance in the last AFCON, only reaching the round of 16.

Looking Ahead for Liverpool and Salah

As Salah’s future with Liverpool hangs in balance, the recurring disruption caused by AFCON poses strategic challenges for the club. The management must plan not only for potential gaps left by his absence but also consider the physical and emotional toll these tournaments take on players.

Liverpool’s strategy will need to accommodate the potential impact on squad dynamics and match outcomes during this period. Ensuring adequate squad depth to handle such disruptions will be crucial for maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

Preparing for a Mid-Season Tournament

With AFCON now a recurring mid-season event, Liverpool and other clubs with key African players must adapt their strategies. This involves not only physical preparations but also mental health support for players who undergo the high pressures of international and club competitions simultaneously.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the AFCON scheduling is a source of concern and frustration. Salah, a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s attack, has his season rhythm disrupted during what could be the most intense part of the domestic schedule. His past performances post-AFCON have shown a clear decline, affecting team dynamics and results at critical moments.

As fans, while we support Salah’s national pride and commitment, there’s an underlying worry about the toll it takes on him and consequently, on our season’s prospects. The club’s ability to navigate this period will be crucial, potentially requiring strategic signings or promoting youth players to fill the gaps. Ultimately, how Liverpool handles the AFCON challenge could very well influence our trophy ambitions in a significant way.